Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
on “Make a Wire Wrapped Bead Link”:“I was trained to use a pair of chain nose pliers to manipulate the wire being…” read »
on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:“I agree -- E6000 is the absolute best!…” read »
- on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“I don't use epoxy on any of the jewelry I make, plus depending on the temperature…” read »
- on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“I just taught a class with middle school children and one painted on a silver piece…” read »
on “Adding a Focal to Patricia Healey Chain”:“Absolutely Gorgeous! I can't wait to use this!…” read »
- on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“I need 1 egg for 50…” read »
- on “Making a Fish Tail Braid”:
“This is great! My mom didn't know what to do with my thick curly hair so…” read »
- on “Using the Sliding Square Knot”:
“How much cord do you use for the knot?…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I want to string the wool beads together with elastic thread in a needle. Which…” read »
on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:“Love the instructions, but which stretch cord are you using? I don't see one like it…” read »
- on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“No photo, sorry. I'm really in a bracelet "phase". I tried figuring this out on my…” read »
on “Using Colourful Soul Jewelry Pop-Outs & Ultimate Paints”:“Vintaj came out with this line in July. I am glad to see LB is selling…” read »
on “Using Colourful Soul Jewelry Pop-Outs & Ultimate Paints”:“*Squeaks with excitement* …” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“You carry the most beautiful beads, bar none. I tie a surgeon’s knot for more security,…” read »
- on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“Has anyone tried to use the patinas on coins?…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“Where can we buy the magic finding. It is not in your product list.…” read »
- on “Quick and Easy Ornament Hangers”:
“These are so pretty. I've been looking for a "template" for ear wires/cuffs. I think these…” read »
- on “Hammering Texture on a Blank”:
“Do you sell textured hammers and blocks I can't find?…” read »
on “Using a Hand Punch”:“Can I use it to open holes in Saint medals???…” read »
on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:“A good starting point for necklaces would be 2mm(ideal for .5"-1.5" pendants). For larger pendants(1.5"+) 3,…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“To cover a sz 2 crimp tube, 4mm would be ideal. 3mm would fit, but it…” read »
- on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:
“Hi, I am new to working with leather and end caps or any other finishing findings,…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“What size of a crimp cover would you use, for a size 2 crimp tube?…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Excellent tutorial and superb photos. Cute bracelet!…” read »
- on “Coloring Metal with Alcohol Inks”:
“I just started working with alcohol inks. Most people who use the medium use Krylon Kamar…” read »
on “Crystal Clay”:“Tried to be good…” read »
- on “Non-Identical Twins”:
“I have always loved this idea! It really resonates with me. Interesting to see…” read »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“I, too, need to know how to attach a tassel to the guru bead.…” read »
- on “Wire Wrap a Bail on a Teardrop”:
“thank you. I've always wanted to try this…” read »
on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:“I made one bracelet for my granddaughter and one for myself. They are easy and…” read »
on “How to make a paper bead”:“Interesting that paper beads are "in" again... Nearly 50 years ago, crafters (including my grandma) were…” read »
on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:“Because of the constant abuse they usually get, glue is not an ideal hold for jump…” read »
on “Wrap Loom Basics”:“Moogie is right, if you need an answer from Lima you'll need to use the customer…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I’ve read in other tutorials to cut the elastic cord length needed and lightly pull each…” read »
- on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Perfect illustration and instruction for a knot-challenged brain …” read »
on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:“These look like fun to make bracelets, and even more fun to wear.…” read »
- on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“I completely fell in love with the color of these little LillyPilly sheets and ordered my…” read »
on “The Simple Wire Bracelet”:“Nice tutorial. For me, I would need more visual. The camera needs to be closer…” read »
- on “How to set a Nunn Design Glass Dome”:
“Beautiful design!…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“Tip:If I have miss judged my project, I have found I can use a crimp cover…” read »
About this Tip:
Follow this step-by-step technique to learn the basics of using a crimp cover to hide your crimp beads.
Components:
The products featured in this tip are listed below.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: Hold the crimp cover with flat nose pliers (easier to hold in my opinion) or with chain nose pliers. |
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Step 2: While grasping the crimp cover in your pliers, insert crimp bead into the crimp cover so that it is cupping it. I typically wait until I’m done stringing to add the crimp cover. |
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Step 3: Pinch the cover closed over the crimp bead. |
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Step 4: Turn the crimp cover a quarter turn and pinch again to secure the seam and round off the cover. |
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Step 5: All done! |
Buy Products from this Technique
On Apr 06, 2012 at 10:53 pm #
Corinne says:Thank you so much! It was really difficult for me to be able to squeeze the cover in a right manner. Now, I think I will do it right.
On Apr 07, 2012 at 3:11 am #
Vee aka Dream Chickie says:Thank you! This really helps! I was having a challenging time closing my crimp covers.
On Jul 24, 2012 at 4:30 pm #
Loretta L says:I have trouble with the smaller crimp covers as my fingers just don’t cooperate! However, I have found if I use the 6mm covers it works great for me.
On Jul 26, 2012 at 5:23 pm #
William G says:looking,reading, learning. Great stuff!
On Aug 28, 2012 at 2:24 pm #
desert beader says:I’ve never used crimp covers, but after seeing the technique,it presents more professionally. thanks for the tip
On Apr 16, 2014 at 12:06 pm #
P Baker says:Thrilled I found your site, offers more easier than other sites
On Apr 29, 2015 at 8:01 am #
RonnyJ says:I use the larger, base metal crimps and crimp covers due to hand stiffness, sometimes paint with alcohol ink to match beads.
On Oct 10, 2015 at 1:08 am #
N schreiber says:lately my crimp beads have been slipping, I have seen a one spot crimp tool used instead of the usual crimp tool, which one is the best? sorry question not comment. n. schreiber
On Mar 23, 2017 at 12:22 am #
beebop754 says:Great tips maybe my covers won’t look so horrible now thanks a lot. Lisa Aceto
On Dec 31, 2017 at 3:39 am #
M fosbre says:question: do you crimp the bead first and then the cover or is it a one step ?
On Jan 10, 2018 at 9:26 am #
Moogie says:You crimp & fold over the crimp bead then add the cover. Adding the covers used to make me insane but with practice, I’ve gotten better. I also found a special tool to help! But it’s not absolutely necessary…
On Nov 03, 2018 at 6:14 am #
llosingit says:For those of you that noted your crimp BEADS seem to slip. I had the same problem every time I took classes & the teacher made us use a crimp bead. I actually had the wire pull right out of a bracelet I made & gave as a Christma’s gift. Embarrassing! I started using crimp TUBES, usually 2mm x 2mm, and they work a thousand times better for me.
On Dec 31, 2018 at 1:22 am #
LSuzanne says:Yes! Your advice is totally on the mark. Crimp tubes are a thousand times better than the beads. I’ve used both, but switched to the tubes 12 years ago.
On Aug 31, 2019 at 10:41 am #
Drio says:Great advice! I’ve been doing it wrong for so long and
getting so frustrated and wasting so much time.
Thank you so much. ☺️
On Sep 05, 2019 at 11:24 am #
C Edmonds says:I like the crimp tubes better than the beads,myself,and use a crimp cover closer to give my pieces a more “finished” appearance. For added strength at the bottom of the clamshell crimp bead,I add a second crimp tube,and cover that,as well.
On Nov 16, 2020 at 6:52 am #
R Duhon says:Tip:If I have miss judged my project, I have found I can use a crimp cover to cover extra beading wire. Just use size and color that matches project.
On May 06, 2021 at 12:10 am #
T Hudson says:What size of a crimp cover would you use, for a size 2 crimp tube?
On Jul 02, 2021 at 10:21 am #
Stingray says:To cover a sz 2 crimp tube, 4mm would be ideal. 3mm would fit, but it would be very tight.